Such a frequent question- why oh why is English sparkling wine expensive? The answer is relatively simple. Take this chic and understated little gem from for instance. At just under £20 for a bottle its price compares with that of Champagne. And the grapes used are the same varieties as the French equivalent. But the process of production- secondary fermentation in bottle, disgorging the sediment, aging the resulting fizz – all of this takes a lot of time, effort and money. For instance, this delicate (11.5%) sparkler is actually 6 years old; from the excellent 2018 vintage. I award it 18 points and A for effort to the Co-Op for sourcing it. How to find less expensive and still well made fizz? That would be telling. Keep following me to find out!

About this Vineyard

Set on a glorious 400-acre Tudor estate in the heart of Kent, Balfour Winery at Hush Heath has been one of England’s pioneering sparkling wine producers since the first vines were planted. Their sparkling rose was the first English wine served in BA First Class and was the official English wine of the London Olympics – a fitting accolade for an estate now producing over 400,000 bottles a year.

About The Author

I’m Rosalind and I’m here to talk to you about Rosé. Whether it’s your first choice or your last on a wine list, this site is for you. After years of writing about and tasting wine, there is something truly special to me about the pink stuff. On the Rose Report, I write reviews of the best Rosé Wines. You can find out more about me HERE.